Vapor-supplying attachment



Nov. il, 1936. P. F. WEST VAPOR SUPPLYING ATTACHMENT Filed March 7, 1929 u, w 4 a MM .W5 a ,w 06 l :2- {-11} 3 4 a 1| a u A 4 t 8 1 5 FW 19 #l i uw www .3 3 n, 9 ,M4/J O n, w1 I y n 9N 7 Il l Patented Nov. iaieso i Al,78,ii

UNITED STATES PATeNTo'Fi-ICE Application led March 7, 1929. Serial No. 345,196.

This invention relates to vapor supplying the water in the radiator is utilized, suitable attachments for internal combustion enconnection being made between the radiator gines, and, among other objects, aims to proand tliefattachment by a tube or conduit 5. vide an improved automatic valve adapted However,`some other source of moisture may to beopei'ated by the suction in the intake be employed. The conduit 5, is preferably 55 manifold to admit moist air to commingle formed of suitable copper tubing of relativef" thecombustible mixture when it is most ly small size and which may be readily bent needed and insure more perfect combustion, t0 extend through the rear wall of the radieliminating to a large extent the formation ator and uplinto the filling neck 6 thereof,

10 of carbon, with a resultant increase in the The lifpper end of the conduit 6, is provided 60 efliciency of the engine under normal run-4 with oat `valve assembly Figs. 2 and 3, so ning conditions, that, when filling the radiator to overflowing,

Other Objects and, "dvantages of thel in'. the water may not enter the inlet end of the ention'wiu become apparent upon' e reedconduit 5, and'to prevent excess water from ing-ofv the vfollowing specification, taken in entering the latter while driving the automoo5 connection with the accompanying drawings, bile. wherein there is shown a preferred embodi- Hereln, the attachment includes a valve ment of the invention, and in which CaSlng 9, 0f elongated tubular form and Fig, 1, is a Side elevation Showing en atadapted to be located 1n any position upon tachment embodying the invention applied to the Intake Condnlt or manifold 4, by means 70 en automobile engine, which is Shown dieof a Inipple 10., or other suitable fitting comgmmmaticauy; inunicating with the intake passage, conven- Fig. 2, is a float valved sleeve to vclose in iently,- through the hole for the usual vacuum case of too high water level, showing valve conduit for the vacuum tank or a new openopen; ing. This casing is shown as being connect- 75 Fig. 3, is a sectional view of Fig. 2, showed t o the usual vacuum tank 11, by means of ing valve closed; a pipe 12, the arrangement being such that Fig, 4, is e vertical Sectional viewof the the intake suction-always communicates with attachment with the parts shown in their pothe Vacuum tank. However, when no vacu 3o sition when the engine is not running and tlm tank 1S employed 0i' 1f the vacuum line ao while cranking; i 1S Connected to one end of the intake mani- Fig. 5, is a similar view, showing the parts `fold the opening in the casing to accommoin the position they occupy when the engine date the tube 12, may be plugged or other-` is idling; and WlSG COSB- i, y Fig, 6, is e fragmentary Sectional view, 1The conduitis shown as being detachably a5 showing the parts in the position they occupy Connected to the valve casing by a suitable under normal running Conditions, threaded extension 13, and the inner end of Referring more Particularly to the drawthe bore of the extension 13 is preferably reings, there is shown an automobile engine 1, duced, aS at 14, to provide an abutment for 4o .in Outline, whieh may be indicative ef any the end. of the tube and thereby prevent 1t no internal combustion engine having a cool- IOm being pushed into the longitudinal bore ing system including a radiator 2 and having or passageway 15, extending substantially the the usual carbureter 3.V The improved atfull length ofthe valve casing 9. The lower teehment is adapted to be mounted on the .end of the bore extends below the reduced inusual intake manifold 4, above the carbulet 14,and communicates with an enlarged a5 reter throttle valve to automatically control bore 16, threaded at its lower end to receive the amount of moisture admitted to the inthe aforesaid nipple 10. This nipple may be take manifold for mixing with the vapor- 0f Such length as to insure the proper location ized fuel. In this instance, the moisture presof the device on the manifold. The pipe 12, ent in the atmosphere above the surface of which connects the vacuum tank with the loo valve casing is also detachably connected to the latter by means of a suitable fitting in a threaded extension 17, having a reduced bore communicating with the chamber 16. The extension preferably has internal threads, the same size as the threaded opening in the intake manifold so that the original fitting on the vacuum line may be used.

The longitudinal bore 15, is provided between the inlet 14, and chamber 16, with a reduced portion to provide an upper, annular shoulder having a beveled wall constituting a valve seat '19, with which a reciprocating valve stem or plunger 20 is adapted to coact. The valve stem has its lower end portion reduced to provide an extension 21, so that it will leave an annular passage between itand4 -signed to be automatically controlled in response to varying suction conditions in the intake manifold. Secured on the upper end of the casing, there isshown a diaphragm casing 24, preferably made of spun or stamped metal in the form of a lhalf sphere, and having a iiexible diaphragm 25,.margin ally held therein by means of a ring 2'6. This casing preferably has an integral collar which telescopes over a slightl reduced end portion of the valve casing an they may be soldered together on the mside of the diaphragm casing to make an air-tight joint. This diaphragmis shown as being connected at its center to the upper portion of the valve also sight openings through which the diaphragm may be observed while adjusting the spring tension for proper .action on different engines. This iiange also preferablyl has punched-in projections 36,.which are adapted to snap into one or more holes made by punching the projections 29, to hold it in place. I

The diaphragm chamber which is formed by 24, and 25 communicates with the intake passage by means of a longitudinal bore 37, through the valve casing so that the suction in the intake manifold will act on the diaphragm. It must be understood that the suction in the intake manifold is greatest when the carbureter throttle valve is closed and the engine is running idle; consequently the diaphragm will be pulled to its lowest position and the valve will be seated as shown in Fig. 5. The strength of the spring 30, is such as to permit this to take place. However, when the engine is laboring the suction in the intake manifold is so reduced that the diaphragm will return to a central posi tion by means of spring 30, moving the valve to the position shown in Fig. 6. Lack of suction beneath the diaphragm, when the engine is not running, allows the spring 30, to pull the diaphragm and plunger to the positionv position so that the valve will -admit moisture as shown in Fig. 6. However, the suction varies slightly due to changes in conditions such as changes in speed, climbing hills and changes in throttle setting. To insure stem 20, by a pair of washers clamped on tl1e\that the vapor valve will remain open notpunched inwardly from the casing and bentover the' marginal edge of the diaphragm to prevent upward displacement. To hold the diaphragm normally in the position shown in Fig. 4, there is shown a tension spring 30, having a lower hooked end 31, inserted in a hole in the end 28, of the stem, the other end carrying a nut 32, which receives an adjusting screw 33, passing through kt-he crown plate of a dome-shaped cover 34, of the casing 24. The lower end of the screw also acts as a stop for the valve stem 20, when it is in its uppermost position.

The cover 34, is also preferably substantially hemispherical and has an enlarge-d flange 35, around its lower end for securing the same to the casing. It is shown as being perforated to provide air vents or ports and valve to remain open under all normal running conditions. Otherwise, it would close due to the varlations in suction. The operation 1s as follows Assuming that the motor is not running,

the valve stem 20, assumes the position shown -in Fig. 4. There being no suction in the intake manifold 4, and through the bore 16, the diaphragm is maintained in its uppermost position by means of the retractile spring 30. The valve head 23, closes the bore below the seat 19, and the valve stem proper closes the relief passage 38, thus sealing all openings that would permit vaporized air or dry air to enter the intake manifold, so that the motor may be started with the usual very rich mixture of fuel. By the described arrangement, the fuel mixture is carried through the carbureter Without the addition of moisture. The suction in the intake manifold, While cranking, is not suiicient to draw the 'diaphragm 25, downwardly to the posiovercomes the spring tension of 30, causing.

the plunger 20, to come down on seat 19, as shown in Fig. 5. When the throttle is opened, the vacuum in the intake manifold and diaphragm chamber decreases and the plunger 20, is brought up to position shown in Fig. 6. It will not close unless the engine is brought to an` idling position by closing the throttle valve.

From the foregoing, it will be seenthat the improved attachment can be easily manufactured at relatively low cost; that there are no delicate parts that cannot be replaced; that it is dependable in operation after it is once properly adjusted on an engine; and that it provides moisture when it is most needed. Moreover, it enables automobiles to use low rade fuel.

To insure that on moist air or vapor enters the intake manifyold, we have provided a iioat valve assembly Figs. 2 and 3, comprising a sleeve 14, having openings 45, in the side therein, and the top of said sleeve being closed by plug '40, being provided with a head or flange, rojecting beyond the sleeve 41, to prevent oat 8, from being lifted entirely oil', of sleeve 41. The float 8, is provided with a metal sleeve lining, preferably of brass or copper, and is adapted to slide up and down on sleeve 41, and is stopped by 40, at the top and by bent-up projections 44, at the bottom. To prevent the sleeve 41, from being slipped too far down on moisture conduit 5, we have provided a punched-in projection 43, to act as a stop. It can readily be seen that under normal conditions the float 8, will rest on projections 44, as shown in Fig. 2, and allow moist air or vapor, to enter portsA 45, but should water rise to a sufficient height to enter ports 45, the buoyancy of float 8, Will cause it to rise to position shown in Fig. 8, closing ports 45, and

' prohibiting excessive water from entering the moisture conduit.

bviously, the present invention is not restricted to the particular embodiment thereof herein shown and described. Moreover, it is not indispensable that all the features of the invention be used conjointly, since they may be employed advantageously in various combinations and subcombinations.

What is claimed is 1. A vapor supplying attachment for in ternal combustion engines comprising, in

combination, a conduitconnect-ed to a source of water vapor, and to the intake passage of the engine; and a sleeve with the` upper end closed and having vents in side of said sleeve, and a metal lined float adapted to slide up andv down on said sleeve to close or `open said vents -in saidV sleeve, and said sleeve adapted to be slipped over the upper end of said conduit to prevent liquid or Water jfrom entering said conduit, which leads from said source of moisture to a valve casing; said sleeve having an upper and a lower stop for said metal-lined ioat, and also a projection on the inner wall of said sleeve to prevent said sleeve from being slipped far enough over said conduit to close said ports in the side of said sleeve; and a suction operated valve interposed in said conduit, saidl valve being `constructed and arranged Ato admit moisture to the intake passage only when the engine is operating at all :speeds other than idling speed.

2.- A vapor supplying attachment for internal combustion engines comprising, in combination, a conduit vconnectingr a source of moist air with the intake manifold of the engine; a sleeve with the upper end closed and having vents in side of said sleeve, and a float adapted to slide up and down on said sleeve, to close or open said vents in said sleeve, and said sleeve adapted to be slipped over the upper end of said conduit to prevent liquid from entering said conduit which leads from said source of moisture to a valve casing; said sleeve having an upper and a lower stop for said iioat, and also a projection on the inner wall of said sleeve to prevent said sleeve from being.,r slipped far enough over said conduit to close said ports in the side of said sleeve, a valve arranged to control the passage in the conduit and to admit vapor to the intake manifold; and means re sponsive to the suction in the intake manifold to automatically actuate the valve so that vapor is admitted during all engine speeds other than idling.

3. `In an attachment for supplying moist air to the fuel mixture'in the intake manifolds of internal combustion engines, the combination of a valve casing adapted to be mounted on and in communication with the intake manifold; a conduit connecting the casing to the filling neck of the automobile radiator; a means for closing inlet of said conduit within the radiator neck when water lill@ lid interferes; a valve plunger mounted in the casing to control the flow of moist air from the radiator to the manifold; and means mounted on the casing operable by the sucl tion in the manifold to cut oli' the moisture from' the latter during engine idling speed and when the engine is not running.

4. In aA humidifying device for supplying moisture to the fuel mixture in the intake manifold of an interna-l combustion engme; y the combination of a valve casing adapted to be mounted on and in communication with the intake manifold; a conduit connecting the casing to the filling neck of an automobile radiator; a means to close the inlet of said conduit Within the radiator neck when water interferes; a valve plunger mounted for reciprocation in the casing and having an upper and 'a lower valve closure; a diaphragm casing mounted on the valve casing; a diaphragmsecured in the said casing and tothe valve plunger; lsaid ,casing and diaphragmedefinlng a vacuum chamber in communication with the manifold, whereby suction in the latter will actuate the plunger to close the valve at one end of the plunger movement, and a 4spring normally resisting the movement ofthe diaphragm and adapted to hold the valve in an intermediate open position when the engine is operating at any speed other than idling, said spring normally holding the valve closed at the other end of the plunger movement when the engine is not operating. Y

5. In a humidifying device comprising in combination a valve casing adapted to be removably mounted on the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, said casing having a central longitudinal bore provided with a valve seat and having side passages connected to the bore, thereby presenting lateral ports; a valve. plunger slidably mounted in the central bore and having an upper seat closure and a lower seat closure; a diaphragm chamber mounted on the valve casing and communicating with the intake manifold; a diaphragm mounted in said casing' and centrally connected tothe plunger; a conduit connected at one end to the valve' casi-ng above the valve seat and atthe other' end with the filling neck of the engine ra-f intake passage of an internal combustion engine .having a WaterV cooling system, comprismal Working speeds, said spring also to close ing in combination, a valve casing adapted to be mounted on and in communication with the intake passage; said casing having an elongated bore therein, a vapor supply conduit connected to one side of the casing and communicating -With said bore; a plunger valve slidably mounted in said; bore and projecting above said valve casing; a diaphragm chamber secured to the upper end of said valve casing and having a diaphragm connected to the upper portion of said plunger; a conduit Within the valve casing communieating at one end with the intake passage of the engine and at the other end with the diaphragm chamber; a valve scat `formedfgo under the bore below the vapor supply connection to the casing; said bore, below said seat having a' restricted portion; said plunger having two valve portions, one cooperating with seat, and the other being movable into the restricted portion of said bore to close the same; said casing havin also an air vent passage communicating with the intake manifold When the valve is opened to admit moisture to the intake passage; and spring means to retract the plunger whereby to close one of the valves when the engine is not running and to hold the valve in an open position under normal Working conditions.

'7. A vapor supplying attachment for internal combustion engines comprising, in combination, a valve casinar communicating with the intake passage; a plunger valve in said casing; means under the influence of the suction in said intake manifold to operate said valve; said valve adapted to close ports in both extreme positions; a source of Watervapor communicating with the intake passage through said valve when the Vvalve is in an intermediate position; and a. float assembly to prevent Water from coming from said source of water vapor; and means to maintainsaid valve in 'an intermediate position under normal engine working speeds.

8. A vapor supplying attachment for inlterna-l combustion engines comprising, in combinatloln a valve casing communicating with the intake passage of the'engine; a plunger Valve in said caslng; means under the influence of the suction in said intake -manifold to operate said valve; said valve adapted to close' ports in both extreme posivtions of said valve; a source of Water vapor :i

communicatingl fwith the intake passage through said Vvalve when the valve is in'an intermediate position; and air vent means to Y maintain said valve in an intermediate posi-A tion under all engine speeds other than idling.

9. 'A vapor supplying attachment for internal combustion engines comprising, in combination, a valve casing'connected to the intake passage of the engine; a source ofl moist air connected by a conduit to the valve casing.; a floated sleeve to prevent water from entering the conduit; a diaphragm and .pelao asv ifzsnsise spring operated valve Within the casing subjected to the influence of the engine suction; said valve being arranged to open and admit moisture when the engine is running under normal throttle openings; and air vent means associated with the valve to maintain the valve open under such conditions.

10. -A vapor supplying attachment for internal combustion engines comprising, in combination, a valve casing connected to the intake passage of the engine; a valve in said casing, a diaphragm chamber on the valve casing; a passage. connecting the intake manifold with the diaphragm chamber; a reciprocating valve plunger in the casing; a source of moisture connected to the casing; and means for closing said moisture source connection when Water interferes; said valve being arranged to control the admission of moisture to the intake passage; an air bleed opening controlled by the movement of said valve to insure that the valve will remain open under normal throttle openings; and spring means cooperating with the diaphragm normally to raise said plunger and opposing the action of the engine suction on the diaphragm.

11. A vapor supplying and controlling device for internal combustion engines comprising, in combination, a valve casing connected to the intake manifold of the engine; a source of moisture connected to the casing and means for closing connection when Water interferes; a suction and spring operated plunger valve controlling the admission of moisture to the intake passage; vent means controlled by the movement of said valve to maintain it open under normal engine Working conditions; and a suction conduit connection to said casing to accommodate the vacuum line from the vacuum gasoline feed system for the carburetor.

12. A vapor supplying device for internal combustion engines comprising in combination, a casing connected to t-he intake passage of the engine, a vapor supply conduit connected to said casing; a iioat valve to close said conduit when Water interferes; a valve plunger Within the casing; a diaphragm chamber associated With the casing; a spring cooperating with the diaphragm normally to retract the plunger; a passageway connecting said diaphragm chamber with the intake manifold; and a relief pass for maintaining the valve in an open position.

13. A vapor supplying device, for internal combustion engines, comprising in combination, a valve casing connected to the intake passage of the engine; a valve plunger with in the casing; a diaphragm chamber associated with the valve casing and communieating with the intake passage whereby the diaphragm is under the influence of the suction therein, a vapor supply connection to the valve casing; and means to close said connection when water interferes; and adjustable spring means associated with the diaphragm and said diaphragm chamber to move the valve toward its normally closed position. p

14. A vapor supplying device for the intake passage of an internal combustion engine, comprising in combination, a valve cas ing connected to the intake passage; a vapor supplying conduit connected to the valve casing; and a fioat assembly surrounding said vapor supplying conduit to prevent Water from entering said vapor supplying conduit; a plunger valve within the valve casing hetween the conduit connection and the intake manifold to open and close the conduit passageway; spring means to move the plunger valve in one direction and a suction-operated diaphragm to move the plunger Valve in the other direction.

15. A vapor-supplying device for the intake passage of an internal combustion engine comprising, in combination, a valve casing connected to the intake passage; a vapor supplying conduit connected to the valve casing; a iioat valve to `close one end of said conduit when Water interferes; a plunger valve within the valve casing between the conduit connection and the intake manifold; means by the influence of the suction in the intake manifold to operate the valve in one direction; a tension spring to operate the valve in the other direction; means to adjust the tension of said spring; and means associated with said valve to maintain it in open position under normal enginel working operating conditions.

16. A vapor supplying device for internal combustion engines comprising, in combination, a valve casing communicating with the intake passage of the engine; a vapor supplying conduit connected to the valve casing; a float valve for closing one end of said conduit when water interferes; a plunger valve Within the valve casing; a suction operated diaphragm connected to the plunger valve; a

diaphragm chamber communicating with the intake passage of the engine; a coiled spring connected to the plunger'valve and normally tending to prevent opening movement therefloat valve for closing said conduit when Wa-v ter interferes; a plunger valve withinl the valve casing; suction operated means connected to the plunger valve and communicating with the intake passage of the engine to move the valve in one direction; a coiled spring connected to the plunger and normally resisting movement thereof and also tending to move the valve in the other direction; a nut carried by said spring; an adjusting screw connected to vary the tension of said spring and providing a stop `for said plunger; said valve plunger having a groove around its body portion; said valve casing having a conduit so positioned and arranged that air is admitted therethrough and around thereduced or grooved portion of said plunger to vent the suction operated means and maintain the valve open under normal engine Working operating conditions. 18. A vapor supplying attachment for internal combustion engines comprising,in combination, a valve casing; a source of vapor connected thereto; a float valve assembly for preventing Water from entering said casing; a plunger valve having an attached plunger in the casing: a globular diaphragm casing connected to the valve casing; a diaphragm in said diaphragm casing; means connecting the diaphragm to the plunger valve; said plunger valve having a threaded end projectmg above the diaphragm; a coiled spring having a hooked end connected to said projecting end of the plunger valve; a portedrcover for the diaphragm casing; an adjusting screw passing through the ported cover operatively connected to the spring to adjust its tension; a pair of valve members 0n said valve plunger each cooperating with seats arranged between the vapor supplying conduit connection and the intake passage; said diaphragm casing communicating with the intake passage of the engine; and an air bleed passage through the valve casing communicating with the passage to the diaphragm chamber: saidvalve plunger having a cut-away portion adapted to register with said air bleed passage when the spring maintains the valve plunger in open position.

In testimony, that I claim the foregoing as my own, I have hereto afli'xed my signature.

PAUL F. WEST. 

